Strike action closes two Vernon credit unions

There is strike action outside the two unionized locations of VantageOne Credit Union in Vernon.

The financial institution said the union, MoveUP, (Movement of United Professionals) which represents 34 employees, has started picketing at the main and north Vernon sites.

VantageOne CEO Glenn Benischek said, as a result, they have no choice but to close the two branches.

“We are very disappointed in this action as we have made every effort to conclude a collective agreement before Christmas. As a member-owned financial institution, we greatly value our employees so it’s disappointing to see the action and how the union is characterizing the situation,” Benischek said.

Benishek added VantageOne offers excellent wages and benefits, including an RRSP program and paid sick days, all of which are available to part-time employees.

“VantageOne is also proud that it has avoided layoffs during the pandemic. VantageOne has provided the staff and union an offer that meets or exceeds the agreements reached with other credit unions in the province. VantageOne remains open to returning to the bargaining table,” the CEO said.

MoveUP is calling on the credit union to provide basic job protection and fair compensation, saying in a news release, negotiations stalled after the employer refused to include basic job protection language for bargaining unit work which is standard in most collective agreements.

“When the employer is steadfast in their refusal to include even the most basic job protection language, that should be setting off alarm bells in the entire community,” said Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of MoveUP. “We have seen this tactic in the banking sector of employers trying to get away with cutting jobs and opening the door to outsourcing work outside their communities, and it is concerning because the people who get hurt are those who work, live, and contribute to the community here in Vernon.”

The union said the 34 unionized employees at VantageOne recently voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action, and also voted 100 per cent to reject the employer’s attempt at a final offer. The previous collective agreement between the union and the employer expired back on November 30, 2019.

“What our members are really asking for is language in the agreement that acknowledges bargaining unit work should be performed by bargaining unit members,” said Slusarenko. “They are also asking for fair improvements to wages and benefits that match their economic reality. Many of our members are part of young families, and they need good paying jobs in order to keep up with the cost of living so they can afford to stay here in Vernon.

“VantageOne is literally the Grinch who wants to steal Christmas but, instead of gifts, it’s good jobs they want to take away. I applaud our members for not only taking action to stand up for their rights, but to stand up for their community as well. We hope the employer will return to the bargaining table and act in good faith not only with our members but in their relationship with the community as well,” Slusarenko added.